Computer Training Lab in a Public Lib

[Joanna Aegard]

Hello...I'm working on a committee which is taking a look at the purpose / use / function / future direction of our Computer Training Lab.

I would like to connect with other public libraries that have Computer Training Labs, to compare notes.

Ours has 8 workstations, an instructor computer connected to a projector, big screen, printer, and also serves as the Xbox playroom. Customers can sign up for Xbox play times when the room isn't in use for other things. Xbox players are not allowed to use the comptuers.

We currently use the room for staff meetings, training, webinars, vendor demos etc....all good...and it is available for renting out by the public, but that doesn't happen often.

Dilemmas include questions like:
- should we make the 8 pcs availalbe for public use if the room isn't being used (we do have public internet stations in the Ref Dept., and they're often full....are booked with PC booking software)
- the room is an enclosed space with poor visibility
- public classes are offered by staff, but it's very time consuming to run these classes -- should we consider parterning with an outside group or business to do this work?

I'ld love to hear others' experiences dealing with issues like this.

All thoughts, ideas etc. welcome! Thanks, in advance!

[Stormy Dovers]

Hello Joanna,
We have a training center here at Huntsville Public Library and it doubles as an open lab for the public. When we aren't teaching we are assisting customers with computer related issues, creating handouts for the students and copying materials.

At this time we have 11 computers, 2 full time staff members and 2 parttime student assistants. We have computers in the Reference area too and they stay booked all the time. They love it when we are open!

I don't know about partnering with an outside group. I think it's good P.R. If you could find staff that really enjoys teaching the classes like we do. Many of our students have found jobs or recieved promotions by taking our classes and this is rewarding for us.

[Joanna Aegard]

Hi! Thanks for the reply. Are you in Hunstville, Ontario?...or another Huntsville? When you say you have 2 full time staff and 2 part time students, is that just to supervise the computer lab? If so, that's amazing! The big issue for us is supervision.

Thanks again!

Joanna

[Stormy Dovers]

Huntsville AL. The staff assist patrons with software issues, signing up for free email accounts, how to use the internet, etc. I am full time and the computer training center assistant is full time and we teach the classes. Our student assistants work in the evenings and on the weekends. The coordinator and training center assistant positions were created when we opened in the beginning and full time staff members applied and were hired. Is there someone already on your staff that would be interested in running your lab?
Our Internet and Technologies Department and the Computer Training Center are combined, so if both full time people are out, the department is still opened for the public.